A Major in The Salvation Army

This is my friend, my very good friend, Major Joe Wheeler.  He and his wife, Major Lois, hired me as a gangly goofy teenager at the Salvation Army's summer camp (Camp Silver Lake).  It was there that I met my wife.  And it was Majors Wheeler who helped us through the process to become cadets at the Salvation Army's training college (seminary).  Major Joe has been a help and mentor for many years.

And today, as I received word that my wife and I have - after 15 years (and a couple of weeks) received our promotion from Captain to Major, he and Lois were here with us to celebrate.  And not only that, but he gave me his uniform trim.  I don't think of it as used - but consider it an honor to wear his major's trim.

It's been a long 15 years. (6 of the happiest years of my life, I sometimes tell people.)  We've had 7 different appointments in three divisions in those 15 years, so it's difficult to feel like we've been anywhere long enough to see anything accomplished.  But - even with all the struggle (and those who know me, know some of what I mean there) and all the moves - I am glad to be a Major in the Salvation Army.

I used to joke that being a Major just means that you're old.  I may have to stop saying that now...